Summary
A car ploughed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least two people, including a child, and injuring 68 others, 15 critically, in what authorities are treating as a terror attack.
The suspect, identified as Taleb A., a Saudi Arabian psychiatrist living in Germany since 2006, was arrested at the scene. He allegedly drove a rented BMW through the crowded market, targeting families and children.
The attack raised concerns about security at Christmas markets despite preventive measures like bollards. German and French leaders expressed shock and condolences.
This incident follows heightened vigilance since a 2016 truck attack on a Berlin Christmas market that killed 13 people.
And the worst part is: The murderer achieves every goal they sought to.
Assuming an islamist motive, which is highly likely based on past attacks, there will be a significant increase in anti-Muslim discrimination. And islamists despise nothing more than Muslims successfully integrating into another society. After all, which cult does NOT prey upon vulnerable people and who is more vulnerable than someone experiencing constant discrimination?
ETA:
Turns out an islamist motive is highly unlikely, after other commenters pointed to an article that found the murderer shared anti-Muslim, far-right content online. Despite the tragedy, I’m genuinely relieved. This could’ve had devastating effects on the upcoming election.
Unfortunately, AfD and Musk won’t hesitate to paint this as an islamist attack. They’ll just claim the X posts are fake if necessary.
It may even have been the attackers’ goal.
ETA - estimated time of arrival?
ETA can also mean “edited to add” when you update your comment to add more to it